Event Recap
Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: December 16, 2025
The Woodfin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on December 16, 2025. The session covered organizational updates, a public hearing on a major recovery plan, and several administrative approvals. The council began by unanimously approving the meeting agenda, 6-0.
Organizational Matters and Consent Agenda The council addressed organizational changes, including the selection of the Vice Mayor. Council Member Young moved for Elisabeth Ervin to continue in her role as Vice Mayor, a motion seconded by Council Member Kahn that passed unanimously, 6-0. The council also reviewed appointments to various boards and committees, including the Communications, Water Infrastructure, and Community Partnership committees. Following these discussions, Vice Mayor Ervin moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Council Member Cohen. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0, approving the November 18, 2025, meeting minutes, the tax collection report for the period ending October 2025, the reappointment of Jerry Vehaun to the Metropolitan Sewerage District board, and the 2026 Town Council meeting schedule.
Buncombe County Reappraisal and Town Manager Report Eric Cregger, Buncombe County Tax Assessor, presented information on the 2026 Buncombe County Reappraisal Process. He explained that the reappraisal is effective January 1, 2026, and that property owners are responsible for self-reporting information by that date. Cregger noted that the process aims to update property values to reflect current market conditions and that while it will impact property tax bills, it is not intended to increase revenue. Property owners were informed they can review their records online and appeal values if necessary.
Shannon Tuch, Town Manager, provided a report on several ongoing initiatives. She discussed the Tropical Storm Helene recovery, noting that FEMA processes are ongoing and that bids for Silver Line Park are due next week. Tuch also highlighted the town’s active grant writing efforts, including a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application, and acknowledged recent cybersecurity issues while outlining efforts to enhance security measures. Additionally, she reported on the police department’s progress in hiring additional officers and their participation in community programs such as "Shop with a Cop."
Helene Recovery Plan and Community Partnerships The council held a public hearing to consider Ordinance 2025-25, which approves the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan. Council Member Kahn moved to approve the proposed plan, finding it reasonable, in the public interest, and consistent with town goals. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The plan includes 17 recovery projects for Woodfin and aligns with the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, focusing on long-term community recovery, resilience, and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas.
The council also received an update on the Community Partnership Task Force from Mayor McAllister and Council Member Cohen. This task force is working with UNC Asheville regarding their warehouse property at 1414 Riverside Drive. The group aims to maximize the utilization of the property, increase positive publicity for the university, and potentially generate tax revenue. Objectives include soliciting community input, retaining warehouse space, and creating a multi-purpose facility.
Lease Extension and Executive Session The council discussed extending the current lease for the property located at 23 Community Road, which is leased to Friends Montessori School. Vice Mayor Ervin moved to direct the town manager and town attorney to execute a revision to the lease. The motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0, extends the lease for one year, expiring June 30, 2028, and increases the rent to $2,100 per month starting July 1, 2027. The council then entered an executive session to discuss matters requiring confidentiality, including consulting with the town attorney to preserve attorney-client privilege. The meeting adjourned at 6:42 pm.